Japan is the land that has everything I love. Yes, it’s not perfect, but what is? One of the things that’s known about Japan is that tattoos are a big taboo. Thanks, yakuza. On the bright side, the Japanese are slowly becoming more open-minded about it, especially with the younger crowd. As a gaijin (foreigner) but not visibly a gaijin in Japan, my trip was anything but ordinary.
Now, before I start, I should go through what sort of tattoos I have. I have a full arm sleeve full of characters from One Piece, which is the most visible. If you’re a fan, I have Luffy, Zoro, Oden, Boa Hancock and the Going Merry (let’s be nakamas?). I have a butterfly on the back of my neck, which can only be seen if my hair is up—a full, unfinished back piece of a yokai in the form of a geisha. I also have a Japanese-style dragon that goes from my ribs to my thighs.
So you’re probably thinking, okay, so what? The only tattoo that can be seen is the arm sleeve; at most, you’ll never be let into a public onsen. Well, stick around and find out.
Most of the time, I kept my tattoos covered to not give anyone a heart attack. But I was also there in the middle of summer. If you’ve ever been to Asia in the summer, you’ll know you’re crossing through the nine circles of hell. Naturally, I had days where I was wearing a sleeveless shirt, and my full arm sleeve was out there for the land of the rising sun to see.
I definitely got the side eye from some older folks. But because it’s a One Piece sleeve, I would often hear the enthusiastic exclamations of “Yabai!” followed by a “Sugoi!” For those who have no idea what those words mean, it’s basically “Damn! Amazing!” Remember, One Piece is huge in Japan for those uncultured swine who are like, “What is One Piece?”
But the highlight of my tattoo saga in Japan was, without a doubt, the kimono incident. I love immersing myself in the culture, so I got dressed up in a traditional kimono. We also did it because my husband and I were going to exchange our vows!! But that’s not what this is about.
So! The ladies helping me get into my kimono were older and very sweet. Little did they know I was about to defile their eyes with my tattoos. In pure Japanese fashion, they asked me to strip down in the middle of the room. I hesitated and asked, “Are you sure? I have tattoos.” They probably thought I was being shy and had already seen my sleeve, but I knew what was hidden under these clothes. They egged me on anyway, and all I could think of was good luck, sweet ladies.
With a deep breath, I stripped down to my underwear. And there it was - the gasp that now echoes in my mind for eternity. They froze, eyes wide, and I heard one exclaim, “Yabai!” followed by a flurry of rapid Japanese. Their lives flashed in front of their eyes. I mean, I did try to warn them. But I couldn’t help but laugh inside because I found it hilarious. They must have thought I was a yakuza’s wife, but no, I was just about to be the wife of a normal Filipino man.
In a flash, they covered me up as quickly as they could before I gave anyone else heart attacks. Might I add that I looked rather pretty once they were done? Anyways, once they realized I wasn’t about to summon my yakuza husband to their shop, they relaxed.
So, there you have it - my tattoo adventures in Japan. For those who have tattoos and worry about going to Japan, it’s not bad at all. Just be mindful that you won't be let into a public bathhouse or the gym, but you’re not going to get burned at the stake. Plus, what’s a trip without a few good stories to tell?
Those look amazing, wow.
When are you going to finish your back?
Those are incredible tattoos. They are art.